The Heartless
무정
Yi Kwang-su
Author
Original Year 1917
To have a heart is to suffer the weight of a nation’s transition.
Literary Overview
Often cited as the first modern Korean novel, The Heartless (Mujeong) explores the clash between traditional values and modern enlightenment through the lives of young intellectuals in colonial-era Korea.
Why This Edition Matters
This edition provides a nuanced translation that preserves the historical weight of Yi Kwang-su's prose while making his revolutionary themes accessible to contemporary readers.